Travel Warnings 2017

The most recent travel warnings issued by the U.S. Department of State
are listed below with links to useful resources for a safer travel
experience. If you are going to live in or travel to areas of unrest
despite the travel warning, please take the time to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
By enrolling in STEP, the State Department can keep you up to date with
important safety and security announcements. Enrolling in STEP will
also make it easier for the Embassy to contact you in the event of an
emergency. You should remember to keep all of your information in STEP
up to date; it is particularly important when you enroll or update your
information to include a current phone number and e-mail address. U.S.
citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the nearest
U.S. Embassy.

Pakistan

December 8, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all non-essential
travel to Pakistan. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning
dated May 22, 2017.

Consular services provided by the U.S.
Embassy in Islamabad, the Consulate General in Karachi, and the
Consulate General in Lahore are often limited due to the security
environment. At this time, the Consulate General in Peshawar is not
providing consular services.

Haiti

December 7, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens to carefully consider the risks
of traveling to Haiti due to its current security environment and lack
of adequate medical facilities and response. This is an update to the
Travel Warning issued on September 12, 2017.

Kidnapping
remains a threat, and armed robberies and violent assaults reported by
U.S. citizens have risen in recent years. Do not share specific travel
plans with strangers. Be aware that newly arrived travelers are
targeted. Arrange to have your host or organization meet you at the
airport upon arrival or pre-arranged airport to hotel transfers.
Embassy personnel are prohibited from visiting public banks and ATMs,
which are often targeted by criminals. Fewer incidents of crime are
reported outside of Port-au-Prince, but Haitian authorities' ability to
respond to emergencies is limited and in some areas nonexistent.
U.S. Embassy employees are discouraged from walking in city
neighborhoods, including in Petionville, during daylight, and are
prohibited from walking in city neighborhoods, including Petionville,
after dark. Visit only establishments with secured parking lots. U.S.
Embassy personnel are under a curfew from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Embassy personnel must receive permission from the Embassy security
officer to travel to some areas of Port-au-Prince, thus limiting the
Embassy’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.

Saudi Arabia

November 21, 2017

The
State Department warns U.S. citizens to carefully consider the risks of
travel to Saudi Arabia due to continuing threats from terrorist groups.
Furthermore, violence in Yemen has spilled over into Saudi Arabia on a
number of occasions. This warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued
July 27, 2016.

Threat of Terrorism – Terrorist groups, including
ISIS and its affiliates, have targeted both Saudi and Western
government interests, mosques and significant religious sites (both
Sunni and Shia), and places frequented by U.S. citizens and other
Westerners.

Saudi authorities have announced that 34 terrorist
attacks, some resulting in significant loss of life, occurred in Saudi
Arabia in 2016. These included three coordinated bombings on July 4,
2016, in Medina, Qatif, and near the American Consulate General in
Jeddah.

Central African Republic

November 21, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the Central
African Republic (CAR) due to an unpredictable security situation
subject to rapid deterioration, the activities of armed groups, and
violent crime. We urge U.S. citizens who are in CAR to consider
departing. The U.S. government’s ability to provide consular services
in CAR is extremely limited. U.S. citizens in CAR who require
consular assistance should contact the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde,
Cameroon. This replaces the Travel Warning dated May 26, 2017.

The
potential for intercommunal violence in CAR is high. Despite the
presence of a United Nations stabilization force, the security
situation is fragile. Large areas of the country are controlled by
armed groups who regularly kidnap, injure and/or kill civilians. In the
event of unrest, airport, land border, and road closures may occur with
little or no notice.

Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

November 9, 2017

The
Department of State strongly warns U.S. citizens not to travel to North
Korea/the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Due to the
serious and mounting risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S.
citizens, effective September 1, 2017, U.S. passports were invalidated
for travel into, in, or through North Korea. Persons who wish to
travel to North Korea on a U.S. passport must obtain a special
validation passport. Information on how to apply for a passport
with a special validation is available on the Department of State’s
website. Such validations are issued by the Department of State
and are granted only under very limited circumstances. Further,
obtaining a special validation does not diminish the bearer’s risk of
harassment, arrest, or long term detention as a result of traveling to
the DPRK. This notice replaces the Travel Warning dated August 10, 2017
to update the Geographical Travel Restriction and the sections on
Sanctions, and the Federal Aviation Administrations’ flight prohibition.

Venezuela

October 23, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Venezuela
due to concerns regarding violent crime, pervasive food and medicine
shortages, and social unrest. Effective October 23, 2017, ordered
departure of eligible family members of U.S. government personnel
posted to the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and authorized departure of U.S.
direct-hire government personnel was lifted, allowing U.S. government
personnel and family members to return to Venezuela. This replaces the
Travel Warning dated July 27, 2017.

All U.S. direct-hire
personnel and their families assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Caracas
are subject to an embassy movement policy that limits their travel
within Caracas and many parts of the country. They are prohibited from
traveling within 50 miles of the Venezuela/Colombia border without
prior approval. Inter-city travel by car during hours of darkness (6:00
p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) is strongly discouraged and in some cases may be
prohibited. Travel outside the Embassy’s residential area by Embassy
personnel after 9:00 p.m. is limited and must follow strict security
requirements. U.S. government personnel must also request approval for
travel more than 50 miles away from Caracas and/or overnight stays
outside of Caracas. These security measures may limit the U.S.
Embassy’s ability to provide services.

Sudan

October 19, 2017

The
U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to
Sudan. U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to the Darfur
states, Blue Nile state, and Southern Kordofan state and consider
carefully before planning travel to other areas of Sudan due to the
risks of terrorism, armed conflict, and violent crime. The U.S.
Embassy's ability to provide services outside of Khartoum is extremely
limited. This replaces the Travel Warning issued on March 30, 2017.

Terrorist
groups are present in Sudan and have stated their intent to harm
Westerners and Western interests through suicide operations, bombings,
shootings, and kidnappings. Violent crimes targeting Westerners,
including kidnappings, armed robberies, home invasions, and carjacking
can occur anywhere in Sudan, but are particularly prevalent in the
Darfur states. Several aid workers and private citizens have been
kidnapped and held hostage for ransom in the Darfur states over the
last year.

Syria

October 18, 2017

The
Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel
to Syria and strongly recommends that U.S. citizens remaining in Syria
depart immediately. The security situation remains dangerous and
unpredictable. Violent conflict between government and armed
anti-government groups continues throughout the country. There is a
serious risk for kidnappings, bombings, murder, and terrorism. This
replaces the Travel Warning dated March 22, 2017.

No part of
Syria is safe from violence. Small arms fire, improvised explosives,
artillery shelling, airstrikes, kidnappings, arbitrary arrests, and the
use of chemical weapons transpire with little or no warning,
significantly raising the risk of death or serious injury. While there
have been internationally supported efforts to de-escalate the
conflict, violence still persists in many parts of the country. The
Syrian government has demonstrated reluctance to comply with ceasefire
agreements in East Ghouta, Homs, and Idlib. In addition, Russian and/or
Syrian forces continue to conduct airstrikes in Idlib province, which
have recently resulted in dozens of civilian casualties and the death
of medical personnel. Moreover, the Syrian government and its partners
continue to prohibit the free flow of humanitarian aid into besieged
areas, resulting in severe food shortages.

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

October 16, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to
the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) because of ongoing
instability and sporadic violence in many parts of the country.
Very poor transportation infrastructure throughout the DRC, and poor
security conditions in the Eastern Congo and Kasais, make it difficult
for the U.S. Embassy to provide consular services anywhere outside of
Kinshasa. All U.S. citizens should have evacuation plans that do not
rely solely on U.S. government assistance. This replaces the Travel
Warning dated March 29, 2017.

Armed groups operate in the
provinces of North and South Kivu, Bas-Uele, Haut-Uele, Ituri,
Tanganyika, Haut-Lomami, and the Kasai region. These groups have been
known to kill, rape, kidnap, pillage, and carry out operations in which
civilians may be indiscriminately targeted.

Mauritania

October 12, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to far eastern
Mauritania due to the activities of terrorist groups active in the
neighboring regions of Mali, including al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb
(AQIM), and those which pose a threat in the greater Sub-Saharan
region, such as the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham
(ISIS). The U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott is able to provide only
very limited consular services in remote and rural areas of
Mauritania. This replaces the Travel Warning of March 22, 2017.

Cameroon

October 2, 2017

The
State Department warns U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to the North
and Far North Regions and parts of the East and Adamawa Regions of
Cameroon due to terrorist threats and the risk of violent crime.
The U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide consular services in remote and
rural areas of Cameroon is extremely limited. This replaces the Travel
Warning dated March 23, 2017.

The Boko Haram terrorist group has
actively targeted foreign residents, tourists, and government leaders
in the North and Far North Regions. Thirty-seven foreigners have been
reported kidnapped since 2013. Since July 2015, the group has
carried out dozens of suicide bombings in the North and Far North
Regions, including the city of Maroua. The U.S. Embassy restricts U.S.
official personnel travel to the North, Far North, and East Regions of
Cameroon, as well as any travel to the north or east of Ngaoundere in
the Adamawa Region.

Eritrea

September 25, 2017

The
U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to
Eritrea. The Government of Eritrea restricts the travel of all foreign
nationals in the country, including U.S. diplomats. These restrictions
make it difficult for the U.S. Embassy to provide emergency consular
services to U.S. citizens outside the city of Asmara. This
replaces the Travel Warning dated February 22, 2017.

U.S.
citizens are strongly advised to avoid travel near the
Eritrean-Ethiopian border and the Southern Red Sea Region because of
the presence of large numbers of Eritrean and Ethiopian troops along
the contested border area, and because of the military tensions between
the two countries. In June 2016, fighting in this region resulted in
numerous deaths. U.S. citizens should also avoid travel to the
contested Eritrea-Djibouti border region, where military troops patrol
and tensions are high.

Cuba

September 18, 2017

The
Department of State advises U.S. citizens to carefully consider the
risks of travel to Cuba while Hurricane Irma recovery efforts are
underway. Major roads are now open in Havana and power and water
service has been restored in most of the city, but some parts of the
country may be without power and running water. North central Cuba
suffered severe damage and should be avoided until further notice. On
September 6, the Department authorized the voluntary departure of U.S.
government employees and their family members due to Hurricane Irma.
This is an update to the Travel Warning for Cuba issued September 13,
2017.

Travelers should apprise family and friends in the United
States of their whereabouts, and keep in close contact with their
travel agency, hotel staff, and local officials.

Kenya

September 8, 2017

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel
to the border area between Somalia and Kenya because of threats by the
terrorist group al-Shabaab. U.S. citizens should also be aware of
potential terrorist threats and the high risk of crime throughout the
country. This replaces the Travel Warning dated January 13, 2017.

For your safety:

Avoid travel in the
northeastern Kenyan counties of Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa, the
coastal counties of Tana River and Lamu in their entirety, all areas
north of Malindi in Kilifi County, and the Nairobi neighborhood of
Eastleigh.

In Mombasa, the U.S. Embassy recommends U.S.
citizens visit Old Town only during daylight hours, and carefully
consider whether to use the Likoni ferry due to safety concerns.

Over
the past year, terrorist attacks involving improvised explosive devices
and shootings occurred in Kenya’s border areas with Somalia and along
northern portions of the Kenyan coast. Though the threat from terrorism
continues to be most pronounced in these areas, a broader terrorism
risk throughout the rest of Kenya remains, including within the Nairobi
area.

Ethiopia

August 25, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to
Ethiopia due to the potential for civil unrest and arbitrary detention.
There continue to be reports of unrest, particularly in the Gondar
region and Bahir Dar in Amhara State, and parts of Oromia State. This
replaces the Travel Warning of June 13, 2017.

The Government of
Ethiopia has demonstrated its ability and willingness to restrict or
shut down internet, cellular data, and phone services, impeding the
U.S. Embassy’s ability to communicate with U.S. citizens in Ethiopia
and limiting the Embassy’s ability to provide consular services.
Additionally, the Government of Ethiopia does not inform the U.S.
Embassy of detentions or arrests of U.S. citizens in Ethiopia.

Bangladesh

August 24, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens of continuing threats from
terrorist groups in Bangladesh and to consider the risks of travel to
and throughout the country. The Department is updating this
travel warning to reflect the change in the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka’s
status to “partially accompanied,” effective August 24, 2017, allowing
all spouses/partners of U.S. government personnel to remain in or
return to Dhaka. Previously, only adult family members employed by the
U.S. government were permitted to remain or return to Dhaka. Minor
dependents are still prohibited from residing in Dhaka. The U.S.
Embassy remains open and will provide all consular services. This
travel warning replaces the travel warning dated January 5, 2017.

While
Bangladeshi security forces continue to identify and counter terrorist
elements, the Islamic State of Iraq and ash Sham (ISIS) and al-Qaeda in
the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) persist in their efforts to plot and/or
carry out terrorist attacks throughout the country. In March, two
suicide bombing attempts occurred at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal
International Airport and an explosion in the city of Sylhet killed
seven people. These incidents were the first notable attacks since July
1, 2016, when terrorists killed more than 20 people, including one U.S.
citizen, in a restaurant frequented by foreigners in Dhaka's diplomatic
enclave.

Mexico

August 22, 2017

The
U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens about the risk of
traveling to certain parts of Mexico due to the activities of criminal
organizations in those areas. U.S. citizens have been the victims
of violent crimes, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and
robbery in various Mexican states. This Travel Warning replaces the
Travel Warning for Mexico issued December 8, 2016.

For
information on security conditions in specific regions of Mexico, see
our state-by-state assessments below. U.S. government personnel and
their families are prohibited from personal travel to all areas to
which the Department recommends “defer non-essential travel” in this
Travel Warning. As a result of security precautions that U.S.
government personnel must take while traveling to parts of Mexico, our
response time to emergencies involving U.S. citizens may be hampered or
delayed.

Iran

August 15, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Iran.
This replaces the Travel Warning for Iran dated August 22, 2016, to
reiterate and highlight the risk of arrest and detention for U.S.
citizens, particularly dual national Iranian-Americans. Foreigners, in
particular dual nationals of Iran and other countries, including the
United States, continue to be detained or prevented from leaving Iran.
U.S. citizens should very carefully weigh the risks of and consider
postponing planned travel to Iran. U.S. citizens residing in Iran
should closely follow media reports, monitor local conditions, and
evaluate the risks of remaining in the country.

Iranian
authorities continue to unjustly detain and imprison U.S. citizens,
particularly Iranian-Americans, including students, journalists,
business travelers, and academics, on charges including espionage and
posing a threat to national security. Iranian authorities have also
prevented the departure, in some cases for months, of a number of
Iranian-American citizens who traveled to Iran for personal or
professional reasons.

Somalia

August 3, 2017

The
U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Somalia
because of widespread terrorist and criminal activity. Militants
associated with both the al-Qaida-affiliated terrorist group,
al-Shabaab, and the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham
(ISIS) operate with relative impunity throughout large parts of the
country, including Mogadishu, and attack civilian, military, and
government targets. U.S. citizens should be aware that kidnapping,
bombings, murder, illegal roadblocks and other violent incidents are
common throughout Somalia, including Somaliland. There is no U.S.
embassy presence in Somalia. This replaces the Travel Warning dated
January 11, 2017.

There is a particular terrorist threat
in places where large crowds gather and Westerners frequent, including
airports and seaports, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, and
shopping areas. Somali government, military, and Western convoys are
also regularly targeted for attack. There have been numerous attacks on
hotels, restaurants, and the international airport in Mogadishu.

Jordan

July 20, 2017

The
U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens to consider the risks of
travel to and throughout Jordan due to persistent terrorist
threats. The self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham
(ISIS), its affiliates, sympathizers, and other violent extremist
groups have successfully conducted attacks in Jordan and continue to
plot against local security forces, U.S. and Western interests, and
“soft” targets. Jordan's prominent role in the counter Ãƒƒ‚Ãƒ‚Ã‚Â­ISIS Coalition
and its shared borders with Iraq and Syria increase the potential for
future terrorist incidents. This replaces the Travel Warning issued
December 23, 2016.

U.S., Western, and official Jordanian
interests remain priority targets for ISIS and other violent extremist
organizations. Within the last year, Jordanian authorities have
notified the U.S. Embassy of several disrupted terrorist plots
targeting U.S. citizens and Westerners in Jordan. In addition, on
December 18, 2016, terrorists killed 10 people, including a Canadian
citizen and seven Jordanian security and police officers, at or near a
tourist site in Karak, 130 km south of Amman. Two days later, in the
same area, a shootout between a different terrorist group and Jordanian
security forces occurred. Terrorist entities continue to express
interest in attacking other “soft” targets, such as high-profile public
events, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, schools, and malls.

Republic of South Sudan

July 20, 2017

The
U.S. State Department warns U.S. citizens against travel to the
Republic of South Sudan because of ongoing fighting, intercommunal
violence, and violent crime. This replaces the Travel Warning dated
January 4, 2017.

In July 2016, violent clashes between
government and opposition forces broke out in Juba, resulting in the
expulsion of opposition forces from the capital. Since then,
armed conflict has expanded throughout the country, leading to
continued instability that is exacerbated by intercommunal violence,
cattle raiding, economic collapse, and an increase in violent crime.
Aid workers, including U.S. citizens, have been the targets of
shootings, ambushes, violent assaults, harassment, and robberies. All
U.S. citizens in South Sudan should have evacuation plans that do not
rely on U.S. government assistance, and should carry medical evacuation
insurance.

Egypt

July 19, 2017

The
U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens to consider the risks of
travel to Egypt due to threats from terrorist and violent political
opposition groups. This replaces the Travel Warning issued on December
23, 2016. A number of terrorist groups, including ISIS, have committed
multiple deadly attacks in Egypt, targeting government officials and
security forces, public venues, tourist sites, civil aviation and other
modes of public transportation, and a diplomatic facility. Terrorists
continue to threaten Egypt’s religious minorities and have attacked
sites and people associated with the Egyptian Coptic Church.

Terrorist
attacks can occur anywhere in the country, including major metropolitan
areas. In early May, ISIS media threatened that places associated with
Westerners, Christians, the Egyptian military or police, and Egyptian
government facilities could be struck at any time. The northeastern
Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent
attacks on security forces and civilians. There are also reports of
attacks on security forces in Egypt’s Western Desert, the large, mostly
uninhabited area west of the Nile Valley, and in Egypt’s border areas.
The Egyptian Military frequently conducts counterterrorism operations
in these areas.

Philippines, Republic of the

July 17, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid all non-essential
travel to the city of Marawi, Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago
including the southern Sulu Sea, and to exercise extreme caution when
traveling to other regions of Mindanao, due to terrorist threats,
insurgent activities, and kidnappings. Similar threats also occurred
throughout the Philippines in 2017. This replaces the Travel Warning
dated December 20, 2016.

There is a threat of
kidnappings-for-ransom of foreigners, including U.S. citizens, from
terrorist and insurgent groups based in the Sulu Archipelago and in the
southern Sulu Sea area. This area stretches from the southern tip of
Palawan, along the coast of eastern Sabah, Malaysia and the islands of
the Sulu Archipelago, up to Zamboanga City, Mindanao. The U.S. Embassy
requires U.S. government personnel to obtain special authorization
before traveling to Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago.

Mali

June 29, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Mali due
to ongoing terrorist attacks, criminal violence, and potential
political instability. U.S. citizens in Mali are reminded to stay
vigilant, remain aware of their surroundings, and exercise caution,
especially at night. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning
dated December 23, 2016.

The potential for terrorist attacks in
Bamako is high. Locations frequented by Westerners and other
expatriates, including but not limited to night clubs, hotels,
restaurants, places of worship, and Western diplomatic missions are
targets for attacks. On June 18, 2017 terrorists attacked a
hotel/resort complex 24 km east of Bamako city center, a site
frequented primarily by Westerners and other expatriates. This was the
fourth attack on such a site in the Bamako region since 2015.

Ukraine

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to Crimea
and the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. This supersedes
the Travel Warning for Ukraine dated December 14, 2016.

Russian-led
separatists continue to control areas in the Donetsk and Luhansk
oblasts, where violent clashes have resulted in over 9,000
deaths. A ceasefire agreement established a de facto dividing
line between Ukrainian government-controlled and non-government
controlled areas of Ukraine, with a limited number of operational
checkpoints controlled by government and Russian-led separatist forces.
There have been multiple casualties due to land mines in areas
previously controlled by the Russian-led separatists, and both sides of
the contact line are mined. So-called “separatist leaders” have
made statements indicating their desire to push the contact line to the
administrative borders of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.
Artillery and rocket attacks near the line of contact continue to occur
regularly. Individuals, including U.S. citizens, have been threatened,
detained, or kidnapped for hours or days after being stopped at
separatist checkpoints, and one U.S. citizen working for OSCE’s Special
Monitoring Mission to Ukraine was killed inside the non-government
controlled area of Donetsk. The Government of Ukraine has stated
that foreigners, including U.S. citizens, who enter Ukraine from Russia
through non-government controlled territory, will not be allowed
through checkpoints into government-controlled territory.

Burundi

June 23, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Burundi due
to political tensions, political and criminal violence, and the
potential for civil unrest. This replaces the Travel Warning dated
November 15, 2016.

The political situation in Burundi is
tenuous, and there is sporadic violence throughout the country,
including frequent gunfire and grenade attacks by armed groups. Police
and military checkpoints throughout the country restrict freedom of
movement, and police have searched the homes of private U.S. citizens
as a part of larger weapons searches. U.S. citizens should take these
facts into consideration when developing their personal safety plans.

Algeria

June 21, 2017

The
Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against travel to
remote areas of Algeria due to the threat of terrorist attacks and
kidnapping. This replaces the Travel Warning for Algeria dated
December 13, 2016.

While violence has reduced significantly in
recent years, terrorist groups remain active in some parts of the
country. Although major cities are heavily policed, the possibility of
terrorist acts in urban areas cannot be excluded.

Colombia

June 16, 2017

The
U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risk of travel to
Colombia. U.S. citizens should exercise caution, as violence
linked to domestic insurgency, narco-trafficking, crime, and kidnapping
occur in some rural and urban areas. This replaces the previous
travel warning dated April 5, 2016.

Organized political
and criminal armed groups are active throughout much of the country and
their methods include the use of explosives and bomb threats in public
spaces. Violence associated with the armed groups occurs in rural areas
as well as Colombia's major cities, including in the capital. These
groups are heavily involved in the drug trade, extortion, kidnapping,
and robbery. On November 30, 2016, the Colombian government approved a
peace accord with the largest guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed
Forces of Colombia (FARC). The peace agreement is in the process of
being implemented and does not include other active armed groups.

Iraq

June 14, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Iraq.
Travel within Iraq remains very dangerous, and the ability of the
Embassy to assist U.S. citizens facing difficulty is extremely limited.
This supersedes the Travel Warning dated January 31, 2017.

U.S.
citizens in Iraq are at high risk for kidnapping and terrorist
violence. Numerous terrorist and insurgent groups are active in Iraq,
including ISIS (also known as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria or as
the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, ISIL, Islamic State and Iraq
ash-Sham, or Da'esh). Such groups regularly attack both Iraqi security
forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. sectarian militias may also threaten
U.S. citizens and western companies throughout Iraq. Attacks by
improvised explosive devices (IEDs) occur frequently in many areas of
the country, including Baghdad. U.S. citizens should pay particular
attention to the possibility of terrorist attacks around religious and
civic holidays.

Burkina Faso

June 7, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to
Burkina Faso, and recommends they avoid travel to the northern part of
the Sahel region, and exercise caution in the rest of Burkina Faso, due
to continuing threats to safety and security, including terrorism. The
ability of the U.S. Embassy to provide consular services in remote and
rural areas of the country is limited. This Travel Warning replaces the
Travel Warning issued on January 20, 2016.

The security
environment in Burkina Faso is fluid and attacks are possible anywhere
in the country, including Ouagadougou. ISIS, al-Qaeda in the Lands of
the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and al-Murabitun terrorist organizations
and affiliates have declared their intention to attack foreign targets
in North and West Africa. In January 2016, armed assailants attacked
civilians at the Splendid Hotel and Cappuccino restaurant in
Ouagadougou, killing 30 people, including one U.S. citizen. AQIM and
al-Murabitun claimed responsibility for the attack. Violent extremist
groups increased their activities in Burkina Faso’s Sahel region in
2016 and 2017, attacking police stations, customs offices, military
posts, and schools in Koutougou, Intangom, Markoye, Tinakoff,
Nassoumbou, Kourfayel, and Baraboule.

Chad

June 6, 2017

The
U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of ongoing tensions and
potential terrorist activity throughout Chad. U.S. citizens
should avoid all travel to the border regions, particularly the Lake
Chad region, and exercise extreme caution elsewhere in the country.
U.S. Embassy personnel are subject to restrictions when traveling in
certain areas of N’Djamena as well as outside of the capital, including
the Lake Chad Basin. The U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide consular
services outside of N’Djamena is limited. This replaces the Travel
Warning issued on November 4, 2016.

Violent extremist
organizations in the region, such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State
of Iraq and Ash-Sham –West Africa (ISIS-WA), can easily cross borders
and target foreigners, local security forces, and civilians. In May
2017, Boko Haram attacked a Chadian military base in the Lake Chad
region. A radicalized Chadian fired shots outside the U.S. Embassy
building in November 2016. Kidnapping for ransom is common - in March
2017 a French citizen was abducted in eastern Chad and held for more
than six weeks. There are also minefields along the Libyan and Sudanese
borders.

Yemen

May 10, 2017

The
U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to
Yemen because of the high security threat level posed by ongoing
conflict and terrorist activities. The Department of State updated this
Travel Warning in October 2016 to reflect concerns regarding detentions
of U.S. citizens by armed groups in Sanaa, and this threat remains
unchanged. The Department continues to urge U.S. citizens to defer all
travel to Yemen. We urge U.S. citizens currently living in Yemen to
depart as soon as they are able to safely do so. This supersedes the
Travel Warning for Yemen issued on October 6, 2016.

Tunisia

May 2, 2017

The
U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to
southeastern Tunisia along the Libyan border as well as certain
mountainous areas in the country’s west, due to the threat of
terrorism. This replaces the Travel Warning issued September 29,
2016.

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens to
avoid travel to southeastern Tunisia along the Libyan border as well as
certain mountainous areas in the country’s west, due to the threat of
terrorism. This replaces the Travel Warning issued September 29,
2016.

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

April 11, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to the Gaza
Strip and urges those present to depart. The security situation remains
complex in Israel and the West Bank and can change quickly depending on
the political environment, recent events, and particular geographic
location. U.S. citizens should exercise caution and remain aware of
their surroundings when traveling to areas where there are heightened
tensions and security risks. The Government of Israel and the
Palestinian Authority both make considerable efforts to ensure
security, particularly in areas where foreigners frequently travel.
This replaces the Travel Warning issued August 23, 2016.

Gaza
is under the control of Hamas, a U.S. government-designated foreign
terrorist organization. The security environment within Gaza and on its
borders is dangerous and volatile. Violent demonstrations and
shootings occur on a frequent basis and the collateral risks are high.
While Israel and Hamas continue to observe the temporary cease-fire
that ended the latest Gaza conflict in 2014, sporadic mortar or rocket
fire and corresponding Israeli military responses continue to occur.

Turkey

March 28, 2017

U.S. citizens are warned of increased threats from terrorist
groups in Turkey. Carefully consider the need to travel to Turkey at
this time, and avoid travel to southeast Turkey due to the persistent
threat of terrorism. On March 27, the Department of State
terminated its October 29, 2016, decision to direct family members of
employees posted to the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul to depart
Turkey temporarily. However, there are restrictions on personal
and official travel by U.S. government personnel and their family
members travelling to and residing in Istanbul. Restrictions on
travel by U.S. government personnel to certain areas in southeast
Turkey, including Adana, remain. This replaces the travel warning
dated January 25, 2017.

In 2016, numerous terrorist attacks
involving shootings, suicide bombings, and vehicle-borne bombings in
tourist areas, public spaces, private celebrations, sporting events,
and government, police, and military facilities throughout Turkey
resulted in hundreds of deaths. The most recent attacks include a
mass shooting at the Istanbul Reina nightclub on January 1, 2017, and
simultaneous suicide bombings near Istanbul’s Besiktas/Vodafone Soccer
Stadium on December 10, 2016. In addition, an increase in
anti-American rhetoric has the potential to inspire independent actors
to carry out acts of violence against U.S. citizens.

Afghanistan

March 21, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan
because of continued instability and threats by terrorist organizations
against U.S. citizens. This replaces the Travel Warning issued October
5, 2016.

Travel to all areas of Afghanistan remains unsafe due
to the ongoing risk of kidnapping, hostage taking, military combat
operations, landmines, banditry, armed rivalry between political and
tribal groups, militant attacks, direct and indirect fire, suicide
bombings, and insurgent attacks, including attacks using vehicle-borne
or other improvised explosive devices (IED). Attacks may also target
official Afghan and U.S. government convoys and compounds, foreign
embassies, military installations, commercial entities,
non-governmental organization (NGO) offices, restaurants, hotels,
airports, and educational centers.

Lebanon

February 15, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon
because of the threats of terrorism, armed clashes, kidnapping, and
outbreaks of violence, especially near Lebanon’s borders with Syria and
Israel. U.S. citizens living and working in Lebanon should be aware of
the risks of remaining in the country and should carefully consider
those risks. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on July 29, 2016.

In
the event that the security climate in Lebanon worsens, U.S. citizens
will be responsible for arranging their own travel out of Lebanon. The
Embassy does not offer protection services to U.S. citizens who feel
unsafe. U.S. citizens with special medical or other needs should be
aware of the risks of remaining given their condition, and should be
prepared to seek treatment in Lebanon if they cannot arrange for travel
out of the country.

El Salvador

February 14, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens to carefully consider the risks
of travel to El Salvador due to the high rates of crime and violence.
El Salvador has one of the highest homicide levels in the world and
crimes such as extortion, assault and robbery are common. This replaces
the Travel Warning for El Salvador dated January 15, 2016.

Gang
activity is widespread in El Salvador. There are thousands of gang
members operating in the country, including members of Mara Salvatrucha
(MS-13) and Eighteenth Street (M18). Gangs (maras) focus on extortion,
violent street crime, narcotics and arms trafficking. Muggings
following ATM or bank withdrawals are common, as are armed robberies at
scenic-view stops (miradores). While the majority of the violence
occurs between rival gangs and there is no information to suggest U.S.
citizens are specifically targeted, its pervasiveness increases the
chance of being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Libya

January 27, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Libya and
recommends that U.S. citizens currently in Libya depart immediately. On
July 26, 2014, the U.S. Embassy suspended all embassy operations in
Libya and relocated staff outside of the country because of violence
between Libyan militias. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli remains
closed, and the security situation in Libya remains unpredictable and
unstable. U.S. citizens in Libya should make contingency emergency
plans and maintain situational awareness at all times. This Travel
Warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued on June 9, 2016.

On
July 26, 2014 the U.S. Embassy suspended operations in Libya. The
Department of State has extremely limited capacity to assist U.S.
citizens in Libya.

Honduras

January 23, 2017

The
Department of State warns U.S. citizens to carefully consider the risks
of travel to the Department of Gracias a Dios in Honduras. In addition,
the greater urban areas of San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, and La Ceiba
have notably high crime and violence rates. This replaces the Honduras
Travel Warning dated August 5, 2016.

The U.S. Embassy restricts
U.S. government staff from traveling to the Department of Gracias a
Dios due to frequent criminal and drug trafficking activity.
Infrastructure is weak, government services are limited, and police or
military presence is scarce. Those who choose to travel to, or
currently reside in, Gracias a Dios should remain alert to local
conditions and signs of danger.